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Alice Walton

L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar is launching his reelection campaign with a fundraiser, just one week after he was sued for sexual harassment, prompting him to confess to an affair with a former employee. Corey Bridwell/KPCC

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Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar is launching his reelection campaign Tuesday with a downtown fundraiser and one very important ally.

The event at the Exchange Los Angeles nightclub comes less than one week after the councilman's former deputy chief of staff, Francine Godoy, filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually harassed by Huizar. When she rejected him, Huizar retaliated against Godoy, according to the lawsuit.

In response, Huizar acknowledged he had an affair with Godoy but that it was a consensual relationship.

It's unclear what impact the lawsuit will have on Huizar's reelection, but he will be joined Tuesday by a powerful member of City Hall — Council President Herb Wesson. A Wesson spokesman confirmed the 10th District rep will attend the event.

Huizar has represented the 14th District, which includes Boyle Heights and most of downtown, since 2005. He is running for his third term in office — his final one because of term limits. The election is not until 2015.

Previously in Represent!

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